Tony Harber

Castleford Tigers boss Daryl Powell has hit out at match officials after they failed to deal with a tackle on Luke Gale he described as “disgraceful”.

Gale was taken to hospital during Castleford’s 44-6 defeat at home to Warrington Wolves after suffering a head injury in a third minute tackle by Ben Westwood.

Referee Phil Bentham appeared to have missed the incident, which left Gale flat out on the floor, and spoke to his touch judge, but took no action, not even awarding the Tigers a penalty never mind producing a card for Westwood.

Tigers head coach Powell was in no doubt about what should have been the action.

He said: “It was really poor from people in the middle of the field officiating that game because how you can miss that when you’ve got five people out there I just can’t quite see.

“It was a disgraceful tackle.

“He is in hospital now and I don’t know how bad he is.

“That is very poor from everybody concerned.

“I presume something will be done about it this week, but it’s a little bit late for Luke Gale. It was a terrible challenge.

“It was a clear strike to the head. He didn’t even get 10 minutes. I don’t know what’s going on.

“He didn’t give any decision and to cop out like that was pretty poor.

“Luke looked really distressed when I saw him just after half-time as the players were walking out. He’ll have a full check-up and hopefully he will be okay.”

Controversy apart, Powell felt Warrington were worthy winners and were “right on the button”.

He added: “I wouldn’t take anything away from Warrington, I think they might have beaten us with 12 men today.”